Ginza Mitsukoshi's popular annual Valentine's Day fair, "GINZA Sweets Collection 2013," will be held from January 30th to February 14th. In keeping with this year's theme of "Fusion," approximately 60 chocolatiers from around the world will be gathering, featuring numerous exclusive Ginza Mitsukoshi and Isetan Mitsukoshi products. Two chocolatiers, both Belgian, are making their Japan debut. Dominique Persoone, a cutting-edge chocolatier who runs his own brand, "Chocolate Line," in a palace on Antwerp's main street, combines traditional flavors with original ingredients, attracting numerous celebrities. The diverse lineup of 10 items will range from the vibrantly colored "Artistique Antwerp" (¥3,990 for 12 pieces, ¥2,940 for 8 pieces) to the "Lipstick" (¥945) and "Chocolate Cream" (¥1,470) cosmetics, which are applied directly to the lips. Benoit Nihant, a young chocolatier born in 1974, has four stores in Japan and overseas. Sensual and intricate items are featured, including the "Benoit Mix" (1,260 yen for three varieties, 2,100 yen for five varieties) featuring deep red heart-shaped chocolates. This year's theme, "Fusion," is centered around the "Three Quests" of cacao, people (technology and creativity), and climate (ingredients). The lip-shaped "Bona Levre au Chocolat" (1,575 yen for six pieces), filled with raspberry, ganache, and honey, and the "Cacao Sampaka Cacao Journey" (2,991 yen for eight pieces), filled with bonbon chocolates from different regions, are made with carefully selected cacao. Both are exclusive to Ginza Mitsukoshi.
This year's theme is "Playing with Fire," and the "Jean-Paul Hévin Boîte Chocolat Alumée" (3,885 yen/10 pieces) and the "Pierre Hermé Paris Nougatine Mahogany" (2,520 yen/20 pieces) with coconut and mango crunch shine with the individuality of the creator who pursues innovation.
The Ginza Mitsukoshi exclusive brand "Chiffer's Plenty Pink" (1,381 yen/4 pieces) is inspired by the roses that bloom in Cornwall, Chiffer's hometown, and "Chocolatier Palet d'Or Terroir Champagne" (1,680 yen/4 pieces) incorporates regional ingredients such as honey from the Champagne region.
Other popular chocolatiers such as "Henri Le Roux," "Del Rey," "Origine Cacao," "Chocolatory de Monaco," "Pierre Redon," and "Pâtéserie Sadaharu Aoki Paris" will also be releasing Ginza Mitsukoshi exclusive items, and collaboration products with familiar characters such as Hello Kitty and Snoopy will also be available.
[Event Information]
Ginza Sweets Collection 2013
Date: January 30th to February 14th, 2013
Location: Event Hall, 8th Floor, Ginza Mitsukoshi
Address: 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
